Oral Cancer: Are You at Risk?

Dr. Michael's25 February 2012 9492

A 2008 report released by Poul Erik Petersen of the World Health Organization’s Global Health Program named oral cancer as the eighth most common cancer worldwide. It’s particularly high among men and is essentially notable among developing countries.

Cancer of the oral cavity ranks among the top three most common cancers in South Central Asia. The mortality rate in the Middle East (2 out of 100,000) is lower than that of India (12.6 out of 100,000) and the United States (10 per 100,000).

Tobacco and alcohol cause the majority of oral cancers. Other risk factors are associated with diet and nutrition, Human Papilloma Virus, a family history of cancer and excessive sun exposure.

Avoiding the use of tobacco and alcohol is still the primary key to oral cancer prevention.

Oral cancer may develop in any part of the mouth, tongue, lips and the oropharynx (middle part of the throat). Symptoms include red, white or speckled spots and patches in the mouth, swellings, lumps and rough crusts areas anywhere inside the mouth, unexplained bleeding, pain, tenderness or numbness in the mouth, persistent soreness on the mouth, throat, neck or face, difficulty in swallowing, speaking or chewing, chronic sore throat, hoarseness or change in voice, change in the way the teeth or dentures fit together, ear pain and dramatic loss in weight.

Avoiding the use of tobacco and alcohol is still the primary key to oral cancer prevention. Relevant researches support that a diet high in vegetables and fruits prevent oral cancer.

Oral cancer screening is a regular part of a dental examination, so do not put off another trip to see your dentist.